Friday, December 21, 2012

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."- Robert Frost
The past few weeks have been awful, if I'm to be perfectly honest. I've put on a brave face, shared placating words, passed tissues and held hands. My crying and grieving was done privately and while it's lessened, it's far from over. My heart was once again ripped open last Friday upon hearing the news from Connecticut. I grieve for those families.

One of the hardest things about grief is seeing that life goes on despite how you feel. People are achieving goals, winning awards, celebrating events and they are happy. I've found myself caught up in their happiness only to remember my grief and feel guilt. I don't need Dr. Phil to tell me that's it's a normal part of the process...my rational side already knows this...it's my heart that needs the reminder.

Over the past week, I've tried to avoid anything serious. No drama movies, no heart-wrenching books and I've done my best to avoid the news channels. I've been trying to find the comedy in life, knowing my Dad wouldn't want me to be sad. We introduced out kids to the movie Tommy Boy and laughed ourselves silly. Some of my best laughter has come at my own expense and today, I hit the jackpot. My Dad would be laughing his head off over my adventures!

What do you do when 4 days before Christmas your dryer decides to die, you have a huge load of wet clothes in the washer and no way to get to a laundry mat??? Either I'm a genius or a complete hillbilly!!!

Saturday, December 08, 2012

I had to say goodbye to my Dad yesterday. Today my heart is broken in a million pieces.

James H. Reed 12/28/1929-12/6/2012

He was gentle, hard working, loyal to those loyal to him, generous in every respect and loved by more people than he realized. There are eight of us kids and countless grand and great-grandchildren who will no doubt think of him every time OSU plays Michigan, when we indulge in a chocolate covered cherry, hear a twisted fairy tale or eat his famous soppy. He has dried my tears, given advice, picked up me, cheered me on and encouraged me to fly. Most importantly, he has loved my three children with his whole heart. He will be greatly missed.

Here's hoping everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and got your fill of turkey, football and shopping. The Oompas and I spent a day baking in preparation of the big day...here is Ginger's first ever apple pie.

Leave it to her to decorate with a squirrel and acorns. Sigh, she's sooo weird!!! We spent Thanksgiving with my brother and his wife, my mom, Pops and my oldest nephew. It was mellow but good. We were missing my other dad, unfortunately he spent the week in the hospital. He's recovering well and should be going home today or tomorrow.

Keeping with family traditions Ginger and Boy Oompa and I put up the Christmas decorations on Friday. This was the first year they were old enough to really be helpful. Grumpy Teenager Oompa stayed as far away from the living room as possible. It's a phase...I hope. It was funny to hear them complain about how short the tree is!! I told them to remedy the situation they should stop growing...they didn't like my idea.

I've been reading all these Facebook posts and other blogs, seeing other families' traditions and I need to have an Elf on the Shelf. Have you seen these?? Creepy little stalker elves that snitch to Santa!! I'm kinda in love.

The rest of the weekend was a blur of football games, Christmas movies, using up leftovers and letters to Santa. Girl Oompas go back to school tomorrow so we're running a few errands then spending the day cleaning house and getting laundry washed for the week. You know...the fun stuff. Maybe I'll even squeeze in a little Cyber Monday shopping!!!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

My mother-in-law is to blame for my love of coffee. Really...it's all her fault!! She can brew it strong enough to wake the dead from the 12th century. I'll openly admit I'm not in it for the taste of the coffee as much as the caffeine jolt. It's rare that I'll drink a cuppa joe without adding a lil sumptin' sumptin. French vanilla creamer makes me swoon...like big time. I've been working over the past year to reduce my refined sugar intake and was appealed at the amount of crap in most liquid creamers. We're talking long lists of crapola ingredients that are hard to pronounce. Yuck!!

I'm putting down my bottle of CoffeeMate and making a stand...oh, yeah and my own creamer!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Pumpkins are a very under-rated and under-utilized fruit. Yes, fruit!! To most people they're only good for jack-o-lanterns, pies and chucking. I love incorporating pumpkin puree into tons of dishes. Of course, it lends itself best to those of the baked variety but toss a few spoonfuls into your meatloaf, spaghetti sauce or chili. It'll add a little sweetness and a ton, and I mean a ton of fiber goodness. Tasty and good for you!!

Here is one of my kids' favorite recipes with pumpkins. There are a tons of extras you can add into this to up the ante health wise, like wheat germ and I've listed healthier alternatives in the notes.

Friday, November 16, 2012

It's been 8 years since I've attempted to go grocery shopping with a baby in tow. 8 very long years. Any of those crazy voices in my head telling me that another baby would be amazing have been forever silenced. Friday is grocery shopping day and now that I have my 2 new little charges, nothing changed. We headed off around 10am and like usual hit all three stores on my route. However, upon returning home at 12:30pm, I'm much more exhausted than ever before!! Lugging the car seat and keeping track of a 5yr old who decided to hop his way through the day was a nightmare. If Boy Oompa hadn't come along, I would still be at the store!!

I went over budget by $8.79 but scored some really good deals.

Meijer: Hershey Baking Chips 2/$4 and I had two $1 off coupons= $1 per bag. Plus if you buy three you get free brownie mix. mPerks free toilet paper (6 double rolls) and Hawaiian Punch (for Thanksgiving) $1.48.
Kroger: Dawn $1.97 (bought 2 and had $1.25 in coupons), Crest $1.99 ($0.75 coupon) and all their veggie/chip dips were $1 each.

Got all the goodies I need for Thanksgiving, plus began the stockpile for the baking season!!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. No words of thanks, elaborate parades or solemn moments of silence seem substantial enough to express my gratitude to all of the brave men and women who have died for and defended our country. Here are just a few of those amazing people I'm proud to call family:

Saturday, November 10, 2012

It is an absolutely beautiful day here in Ohio. The sun is shining and it's a balmy 70 degrees. Almost unheard of for November. I spent the morning working at the camp...they were severely short staffed and with the Board of Directors holding their quarterly meeting at the camp they needed help. Those extra dollars for my pocket were helpful as well.

This past week was good too....I'm back in the childcare business again. I am watching the most adorable 13 month old little girl and her just turned 5 year old brother. I get to cuddle a baby, work with the little boy on preschool basics and keep up on lessons with Boy Oompa. There is going to be a little adjustment period but if this week is an indicator, we'll be just fine. Did I mention how adorable the baby is? If not....she's cute. Really.

On an even brighter note, I came in under budget with my grocery shopping!!! $118.77..... Oompas were free!!

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Yes, Old McDonald had a larger variety of livestock than I do, but my creatures are waaay more interesting!! See, his animals weren't brave enough to think outside the box stall.

Early this morning one of my Americana hennies ran Cousin Eddie the cat away from the coop then pecked his head a couple of times for good measure!! Attack hens?? I see a new line of self-defense sweeping the nation. No need for expensive alarm systems or lengthy dog training programs...arm your home with Protector Hens. They'll guard your loved ones and provide a tasty breakfast!!

Later I witnessed a little species confusion as the cats ate the scratch grains and layer pellets.....

while a few hens took over the cats' winter home.

Confused here at Old McPatrick's Farm.................................Deborah

Sunday, November 04, 2012

This weekend has brought it's fair share of good things. First, I got 30 cloves of garlic planted in my garden. Boy Oompa helped me rake the leaves from the maple and apple trees to cover each raised garden bed. This will act as a nice insulator for the garlic and as it breaks down it'll add much needed nutrients back into the soil. I'm hoping it'll decrease the spring weeds too.

Secondly, the photo I won over at Thy Had Hath Provided arrived! Thanks again to Jane and her talented brother Darin. His photography is amazing and what's truly beautiful is that until the end of the year he will be donating all profits to Serving His Children, a charity designed to help malnourished children and their families in Uganda. You'll get a wonderful piece of art and help a worthy cause!!

12x12 Canvas

Lastly, I have finished staining all of the gourds that I received from my sister. I've been working on turning them into really unique birdhouses. Once they're all dry, I'll be adding the leather cords for hanging and will try my hand at embellishing them with feathers and beads I've collected. Pictures to follow!!!

Friday, November 02, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of "Deborah bashing her head against the wall because she can't seem to come in UNDER budget!!!" My total for this week was $128.52! I'm getting better and $8.52 over sure as heck beats the $40 or so from a few weeks ago. Still, with the decrease in our income I'm watching every penny.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

I love cinnamon rolls. If marrying them was an option, I'd be Mrs. Cinnamon Roll. Seriously. However, my only experience with them comes from whacking that silly tube on the counter and taking the pre made little rolls out and squeezing the icing from the plastic packet. I got brave this weekend and ventured into the world of homemade. Uh, what in the world took me so long!?!?!

Ginger had a few friends over to celebrate her birthday early and I spent Saturday morning making batch after batch of pizza dough in my bread maker. I found a recipe for rolls that could be made in the machine too and took a chance. I assembled the rolls, cut them and placed the pans in the fridge till this morning. All I had to do was pull them out when I turned on the oven to preheat and they had plenty of time to rise a little before baking. Super easy. Like ridiculously easy.

The only change I'll make next time is more cinnamon and I'll add in nutmeg. I ♥ nutmeg.

Once dough has risen, roll and stretch into a rectangle (approx. 15in by 24in). Brush with 1/2 cup melted/softened butter and sprinkle the sugar/cinnamon mixture over dough. Starting with long edge, roll up dough; pinch seams to seal. Cut dough into 1 1/2 in pieces and place in slightly greased baking dish. Rolls should not touch. I was able to get 18 rolls out of this recipe. At this point you can either allow them to rise an additional 20 minutes or so then bake or cover and pop in the fridge. I guess you could also freeze them too. Cream Cheese Frosting (double batch) **Can make day ahead too**8ox softened cream cheese1/2 c softened butter3c confectioner sugar3 tsp milk2 tsp vanillaBeat all ingredients with mixer until well blendedPull rolls out and place in warm place to rise about 20 minutes prior to baking. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes. Immediately top with frosting.

Combine all ingredient in saucepan, mix well and bring to a boil. Mix 3 tbsp cornstarch and 1/4c water then slowly add to sauce to thicken.

At this point you'll have your cooked chicken pieces and sauce made. It's time to combine all the goodness. Heat sesame oil (or whatever you have) in large skillet/wok and stir-fry veggies of your choosing. I prefer broccoli, carrots, onion and on occasion water chestnuts. Once the veggies are cooked dump in the chicken and sauce to heat through. Can garnish with chopped green onions added at the last minute...they are a nice touch if you remember!!

Sauce can be made ahead of time and freezes well. If I am organized and prep my veggies first, then my sauce and finish with the chicken the meal goes together smoothly.

It's Friday and ya'll know what that means...grocery day!! Today was a little different as I had Ginger with me instead of Boy Oompa. All the kids got the day off school since my amazing mother-in-law was up visiting from Georgia and we only got one day to spend with her. MeeMaw trumps school.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I'm feeling a little punkish today. It's been a roller coaster of emotions the past few days. I'm trying to keep a little normalcy to my days which I'm hoping will help keep me and everyone in the house on an even keel. I know the Oompas are stressing about the recent changes in employment status and I'm doing my best to keep their fears calmed without giving false hopes. Fine line to walk.

Keeping in line with a little normalcy, I've decided to post a cost saving recipe that also tastes delicious.

Honestly, I think I'm still a little stunned. Serves me right for relying on the words of others as gospel. No situation in this world is definite....life can change in a instant. We're a little better prepared for this round of unemployment than the last, I think. Seems ironic timing since I've just left my job!! Not that the pennies I would be able to earn from now till mid-November's shutdown would actually make a significant difference, but you've gotta love the timing.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

17 days...that's when we'll turn the TV and radio back on in our house. I hate campaign season almost as much as I hate bikini season. All these words come from candidates mouths yet they never really say anything. All the trash-talking commercials reminds me of playground antics. I keep waiting for a commercial in which one candidate will profess about the other, "Yeah, well, he's a booger eating poo-poo head!!"

Obviously, I have strong opinions on who should lead our country and about what I feel should happen in the future. I'm not going to try and persuade you to join my club because we all have to make up our own minds. I think it's important for everyone to make their own decision not one based on what their spouse, parents, neighbors or friends think. I strongly believe in the "agree to disagree" theory among friends.

However, sometimes it's hard to know which candidate is most in line with your way of thinking. So to help, I would like to share this neat little quiz. iSideWith.com is a website that allows you, the voter, to read through a series of issues and choose your stance on them. It then matches you up with the candidate whose politics best matches. My only suggestion when taking the quiz is to click the option Choose another stance as it gives you a more in depth choice instead of just yes or no. I would also suggest that you choose the additional questions too, as it gives a more accurate picture of where you stand on issues.

Since I love diversity among friends I would encourage you to share your results in the comment section. One rule: NO HARASSMENT of each other!! We have to remember, we're all Americans and in this together. Each of us, through our own devices, wants the country to be prosperous.

Friday, October 19, 2012

All right boys and girls....I came in $18.02 over budget this week. Boo!! Hiss!! Bah!!! This just makes me want to plan better and re-adjust my menus. I am going to incorporate at least one vegetarian meal per week and start making the Oompas snacks from scratch again. Once upon a time, if the Oompas were hungry for an after school snack, I had frozen homemade mini pizzas in the freezer for them. I have gotten away from that due to my work schedule but with my newfound free time*snickers and laughs* I can get snackies made that will last a few weeks.

Weekly Menu

Friday: Alfredo and Pesto (pulled out a little leftover chicken too)

Saturday: Beef Tacos with chips and guacamole

Sunday: Chicken Salad Sandwiches with roasted potatoes

Monday: Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup and fries (Oldest Oompa choir concert and Ginger has volleyball game...both at the same time!!)

I was able to get a good deal on this bad mamba-jamba too!! I had a $5 off any Rubbermaid product MPerks digital coupon which brought the price to $20.86 with tax. I did not include this in my weekly budget, it gets categorized under household expenses. I am actually excited to do a little cleaning tomorrow and try out my new toy!!

Looking over my receipts I am proud of my savings. If I had purchased all these items at regular price with no coupons my bill would have been $214.69. That's a savings of $55.81. Not shabby but I know it can be better. Will research new menu ideas and try again next week!! Send me your favorite low cost and/or vegetarian meal idea!!!

Mix everyone in a clean jar, put a lid on it and let it steep for 4-6 weeks. I gave my last batch a swirl every few days when I passed through the pantry. To use, strain liquid through cheesecloth or fine strainer. I would drink 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times per day when I had sinus congestion or a cough. I am going to use it this year when I feel the symptoms coming on to see if it shortens or even thwarts an attack.

Fire Cider is an immune-boosting tonic with antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It can be taken daily as a preventive and also at the onset of colds or flu. It’s an expectorant. It breaks up congestion and helps us ward off respiratory ailments and sinusitis. It also helps to stimulate sweating and moves toxins out of the body, which is beneficial in cases of colds, flu and mild fevers.

Fire Cider is also beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Several of the ingredients support optimal cardiovascular function and are used by many to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It increases circulation and warms the body, and thus is valuable in cold winter temperatures and for those who frequently experience cold extremities.

Additionally, as it warms the organs of the digestive system and stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, Fire Cider is an excellent tonic for the digestive system.

Many of the ingredients in Fire Cider have anti-inflammatory properties, which prove useful in the relief of pain. It can be taken internally and applied topically to sore muscles and joints. Some have used it to successfully treat migraines.

Like millions of other folks on the planet, I suffer from procrastination or will suffer from it.....later.

I have a list as long as my arm of chores I need to get accomplished before the really cold weather and white death begin falling from the sky. I'm an expert at making lists. It's the whole seeing it through and being able to mark that particular job off the list where things get hazy. I'm trying an experiment in psychology...if I post my list to the public will I feel the pressure and therefore be compelled to get 'er done?? Time shall tell.

Here is my list in no particular order. As I finish each task, I'll come back and cross it off and give an update.

List of things I don't want to do (because I'd rather be bundled up in my comfy chair watching Downton Abbey or Call the Midwife) but need to do:

No doubt there is something in every person's life they've avoided trying because of hearing horror stories of it's difficulty. In this modern age there are so many short cuts one can take that it's possible to avoid this awful task for your entire life if not at least many years. In the grand scheme of life some of these are relatively simple things while others rank on the side of monumental. The amusing part is that once you suck it up and try this thing you've built up in your head as impossible, it's usually way easier than you expected.

We need to remember that the human race exaggerates ...like a million percent!! Who wants to admit they had difficulty accomplishing a simple, mundane action. I've totally been shown up by my kids while trying to do things on the computer and it makes me feel like a moron. However, I'd feel worse if I had given up altogether but it's still takes you down a notch when you have to turn to your (then) 5 year old and ask for help with Photoshop. Just like the fish your hubby caught last weekend grew in size each time he told the story, so does the arduousness of a task each time you retell the story and your inability to do it. Confused yet? I am, I think.

The whole point of my little diatribe is that I've heard for years how precarious it is to make a proper pie crust from scratch. They're such a pain to roll out, they're either too wet or dry, you need a marble slab to roll it out on, etc.. Um, yeah...calling bull on this one!! My menu this week called for chicken pot pie. As we all know you can't have pie without crusts and I blanked while at the store and forgot to pick up pre-made pie crusts. Seeing as I'd already blown my budget for the week I womaned up and made my own. Holy puff pastries Batman, it was EASY, tasted fantastic and cost, literally, pennies to make!!!

Cut chilled shortening into flour and salt with pastry cutter until mixture is in course crumbles. Add 4 tsp of ice water and mix with a fork. Add additional water one tsp at a time until mixture hold together.

Divide dough in half (make one a little bigger than the other for bottom crust). Flatten into 1/2 inch disc and wrap in plastic. Chill at least 30 minutes or freeze for later use.

Roll out dough on lightly floured counter or between 2 pieces of parchment or plastic.

Monday, October 15, 2012

This past weekend marked my last working at the camp. I pulled seriously long days last week preparing for the annual apple butter festival. I baked, organized supplies, cooked and canned apple butter till I was ready to drop!! I'll know on Wednesday when I go in to drop off my financial report, keys, credit cards and final time card whether all my hard work on the festival was worth it. Despite my aggravations toward the camp's lack of communications, I really hope this fundraiser was a success.

Today, the first day of this new chapter in my life, was spent tying up loose ends. I had a pile of laundry the size of Mount Everest that needed tackled, I'd lost my kitchen counters to clutter and junk but most of all I needed a day to rest after 12 hours on my feet selling pies and making small talk to strangers!! Around 2pm, I got two back to back calls from boy Oompa's Cub Scout leader and youngest girl Oompa's volleyball coach. Looks like my evenings this week are filled with running kids to Pack meetings and practice. Sure beats cooking for 50!!!

Off to volleyball practice....Deborah

P.S.-youngest girl Oompa will now be going my the moniker "Ginger" on account of her red hair and the fact that she more than likely is soul-less!!

I went $11.90 over my $120 budget for this week which is a bummer but given the state I was in while shopping it could have been much worse. Today was a rough day.

Meijer had a decent 10 for $10 get the 11th item free sale: Pepsi, hand soap, ziploc baggies, Rotel, and deodorant. They were out of family pack of their pork ribs for $1.49/lb.

Most important items I picked up today:

I spent two hours hunched over an open fire stirring 30 gallons of apple butter while listening to a crazy woman rant and rave.....this will help me forget...hopefully.

Weekly Menu:Friday: Baked Potatoes (using up the last of the leftover chili as topping)Saturday: Beef Au Jus sandwiches(was supposed to be BBQ Ribs) and Chipotle Cheddar Mashed PotatoesSunday: Chicken Tacos (bought split breasts for $0.99lb and will cook Saturday and shred)Monday: Black Bean Burgers and FriesTuesday: Chicken Pot Pie (realized as I typed this I forgot pie crusts...will be making them from scratch!!)Wednesday: Smoked Sausage and Fried PotatoesThursday: Leftovers